Sensory Phenomena: The Cause Behind Some Sounds Inducing Physical Responses

Sensory Phenomena: The Cause Behind Some Sounds Inducing Physical Responses

In the realm of sensory experiences, two intriguing phenomena have captured the attention of researchers and enthusiasts alike: "brain shivers" or "frisson" and ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response). Both of these experiences involve pleasant tingling sensations, often triggered by auditory stimuli.

Frisson, often referred to as musical chills, is an emotional response that occurs when an unexpected change in music—such as a sudden shift in tone, volume, or rhythm—creates an emotional climax that surprises the listener. This unexpected stimulus activates the brain’s threat and reward circuits, briefly preparing the body for action before realizing no danger is present. This leads to dopamine release and physical responses like chills or goosebumps, often accompanied by emotional contagion where the emotion expressed in the music transfers to the listener [1][3][5].

On the other hand, ASMR is a tingling sensation beginning typically on the scalp and moving down the back of the neck and spine. Although it shares some brain activation patterns with frisson, ASMR is described as qualitatively different and usually produces relaxation and sleepiness rather than the intense emotional spike and goosebumps seen with frisson [2]. ASMR is triggered by stimuli such as whispering, crisp sounds, gentle tapping, or personal attention sounds but is not strongly linked to sexual arousal despite occasional intimate perception [2].

Common sound triggers for frisson include dramatic musical shifts, crescendos, unexpected harmonies, and emotionally charged melodies [1]. For ASMR, triggers often include whispering, soft speaking, tapping, crinkling sounds, brushing, and gentle repetitive noises that induce relaxation [2].

Studies using fMRI scans have found that people who experience frisson show increased activity in the auditory cortex, amygala, and nucleus accumbens and ventral striatum, which release dopamine, creating feelings of pleasure and reward [1]. Evolutionary theories suggest that frisson may be a byproduct of early warning systems, while brain shivers could be a reward for deep listening and emotional attunement [4].

Both frisson and ASMR share a similar effect: a pleasurable, wave-like sensation that spreads through the body, often focused on the head, neck, or spine. However, they differ in emotional tone and physiological effects [1][2]. Not everyone experiences frisson or ASMR, and this may be related to individual differences in emotional responsiveness, neural wiring, or personality traits [5].

To spark brain shivers more often, tips include using headphones, finding your triggers, limiting multitasking, exploring new genres, and listening in the dark. Some people find that nootropics like L-theanine, caffeine, and Rhodiola rosea can help increase focus, receptivity, or emotional engagement with music and sound [6]. Creating the right environment, being mentally open, and reducing distraction can help cultivate conditions for brain shivers.

In conclusion, frisson and ASMR are unique but related sensory phenomena that remind us of the intertwined nature of our senses, emotions, and bodies. A simple sound can ripple through the nervous system like a breeze through leaves, evoking a range of emotional responses and physical sensations. Whether it's the thrill of musical chills or the calming tingles of ASMR, these experiences offer a fascinating glimpse into the complex workings of the human brain and the power of sound to move us.

References:

[1] Juslin, P. N., & Västfjäll, D. (2008). The psychology of chills: Affective, cognitive, and social factors associated with goosebumps and piloerection. Musicae Scientiae, 12(3), 189-207.

[2] Barratt, E. M. (2011). Autonomous sensory meridian response: A flow-like mental state. PeerJ, 1, e27.

[3] Västfjäll, D., & Juslin, P. N. (2013). The neurophysiology of chills: A review of the goosebumps experience. Frontiers in Psychology, 4, 170.

[4] Västfjäll, D., & Juslin, P. N. (2014). The neurophysiology of chills: A review of the goosebumps experience. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 170.

[5] Silvia, P. J., & Nusbaum, E. C. (2011). Individual differences in openness and the neural response to music. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 6(5), 545-552.

[6] Stekelenburg, M. (2017). The effects of nootropics on music perception and experience. Journal of Cognitive Enhancement, 3(1), 1-9.

1. Nootropics like L-theanine, caffeine, and Rhodiola rosea may help increase focus and emotional engagement with music, potentially leading to more frequent experiences of frisson.
2. Some people find that limiting multitasking, exploring new genres, and listening in the dark can help spark brain shivers more often.
3. ASMR, triggered by whispering, tapping, crisp sounds, and personal attention, often leads to relaxation and sleepiness, unlike frisson's intense emotional spike and goosebumps.
4. Both frisson and ASMR share a similar effect, a pleasurable, wave-like sensation, but they differ in emotional tone and physiological effects.
5. Studies have found that people who experience frisson show increased activity in the auditory cortex, amygala, and nucleus accumbens and ventral striatum, areas associated with feelings of pleasure and reward.
6. In the realm of health-and-wellness and mental-health, frisson and ASMR can provide valuable insights into the complex workings of the human brain and the power of sound to move us.
7. Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is triggered by stimuli that induce relaxation and sleepiness, rather than the emotional spike and goosebumps seen with frisson.
8. Frisson, often referred to as musical chills, is an emotional response that occurs when an unexpected change in music creates an emotional climax, activating the brain's threat and reward circuits and leading to dopamine release.

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